#USA #Saint Paul #iotaMotion #iotaSOFT #Cochlear Implants

iotaMotion Breaks Ground with Robotic-Assisted Cochlear Implant Surgery

In a significant advancement for hearing restoration, iotaMotion, Inc. has announced that it has successfully conducted over 1,000 clinical procedures utilizing its innovative iotaSOFT® system, a groundbreaking robotic-assisted tool for cochlear implantation. This milestone marks an important phase in the evolution of cochlear implant surgery, largely dominated by human skill until now.

Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, iotaMotion stands as a pioneer in the field, being the first and only FDA-authorized robotic insertion system for cochlear implants suitable for patients aged 12 and over. The iotaSOFT® system enhances the precision and reliability of the electrode insertion process, which is a critical step in cochlear implant surgeries where meticulous attention to the intricate inner ear structure is necessary.

Why iotaSOFT® Matters

iotaMotion is addressing a significant problem facing the global population: hearing loss. Statistics indicate that more than 430 million people are living with disabling hearing loss, with less than 5% of those eligible for cochlear implants actually receiving them. This disparity echoes the urgency of addressing not only the technological barriers but also the psychological obstacles patients face. Many experience fear related to potential hearing loss or lack understanding of the eligibility criteria for surgery.

Mike Lobinsky, CEO of iotaMotion, emphasizes, “Cochlear implantation is one of the most transformative surgical procedures in medicine. With the introduction of iotaSOFT, we are pushing the boundaries of what surgeons can achieve, while simultaneously addressing patient fears and expanding access to these life-changing implants.”

The Science Behind iotaSOFT®

iotaSOFT® uses robotics to introduce electrode arrays in a controlled manner that minimizes trauma to the delicate cochlear structures. This technological advancement not only increases the safety of the procedure but also ultimately leads to better patient outcomes as evidenced by recent studies. A 2025 study published in The Laryngoscope reported that patients who underwent robotic-assisted insertions maintained their natural hearing 85% of the time after one year—significantly higher than the 71% retained in manual insertion cases.

According to Dr. Marlan Hansen, iotaMotion's Chief Medical Officer, achieving this milestone of 1,000 procedures will further validate the efficacy of robotic-assisted approaches in preserving delicate inner ear structures during surgeries. He notes, “The accuracy and consistency delivered by iotaSOFT are unparalleled, offering surgeons tools previously thought impossible.”

Surgeons Speak Out

Several surgeons have already embraced the technology, noting its positive impact on their surgical methods:

“This technology augments my ability to insert electrodes with remarkable accuracy and consistency,” says Dr. Michael Seidman, an otologist at AdventHealth Celebration in Florida.

Dr. Eric Kraus, also an otologist, reinforces this sentiment, sharing, “As we approach our 100th iotaSOFT procedure, it’s clear that this technology brings precision that manual techniques simply cannot achieve. It has become integral to our practice.”

The Bigger Picture

As it furthers its mission, iotaMotion aims to partner with hearing health professionals across the globe to broaden access to robotic-assisted cochlear implantation benefits. The impact of hearing loss extends beyond individual patients; the World Health Organization has identified it as the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia, implicating a need for urgent action in addressing hearing health across populations.

As the conversation around hearing health and the potential of technology in treatment continues to evolve, iotaMotion's landmark achievement represents a hopeful future not only for those suffering from hearing loss but also for the medical community at large. By bridging the technology gap, iotaMotion is not just enhancing surgical techniques but also paving the way for millions who stand to benefit from cochlear implants in what is truly a watershed moment in auditory health care.

For further information about iotaMotion and the iotaSOFT® technology, visit iotaMotion's website or follow them on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and YouTube.